Gear News

Does WD40 attack the metal on guns?

I have been told by a registered firearms dealer that I should never use WD40 on my guns because it attacks the metal. Is this true or is he pulling my leg?

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GUN CLEANING
Bill Harriman
I have used WD40 on a variety of guns without any apparent damage to their finish.

I find it particularly useful for dealing with blackpowder fouling if it is sprayed down the barrel immediately after use.

It seems to form a barrier between the corrosive fouling and the metal.

The fouling then comes out very easily in the form of a powdery grey residue rather than the usual sticky, sooty mess.

I don?t generally use oil as a preservative because it attracts dust and makes a gooey mess.

It also coagulates and can impede the mechanism if left for long periods.

Oil also has a damaging effect on woodwork and once a stock is oil-soaked it is hard to remove it.

I find conservation-grade wax polish such as Renaissance Wax a far better preservative.

This forms a hard coating that sheds both dust and water and is used by all professional conservators on arms and armour.